Car Keys Stolen - What Do I Do If My Car Key Is Stolen?
Car keys have evolved with the advancement of automobiles. The majority of cars today have electronic keys, but certain models still use the old fashioned turn-key ignition.
Losing your keys can be frustrating and stressful. If someone steals your keys to your car and uses them for a period of time, it could leave you vulnerable to unauthorized access.
1. Call the Police
The first thing you should do if you suspect that your car key is stolen is to notify the police. You can create a police report, and they will notify you when someone returns your key. It is imperative to report the theft promptly because if you put off you could allow someone to use your vehicle without permission. This could result in fines from the municipality.
You could also receive tips from the police regarding how to keep your car safe. They will also give you an identification number for crime that can be used to track your case. This is important should you decide to file an insurance claim for the theft.
Make sure you always have your spare car keys on hand. These keys can be hidden in places that are easy to reach like your purse or wallet, or even with your family or friends. You can also contact your local dealer to see whether it is able to reprogram your factory key fob.
Double-check all the places you think your car key might be. If possible, ask friends or family to check as well. You can also contact local libraries or restaurants and ask if any keys have been found. It is common for people to forget where they placed their keys. Therefore, it's crucial to verify the obvious areas first before moving on to less obvious locations.
Even if you have an extra key, it's important to notify the police of an incident of theft. This will stop any person from trying to steal your car and may help them locate your key. The police might also be able offer you tips on how to secure your vehicle, such as using a lock for your wheel.
In certain cases you may learn from the police that your car keys were returned to a police station. Then, you can go to the police station to get it. The process could be more difficult if you have a modern vehicle that uses an electronic key fob.
2. Contact a locksmith
A car key stolen is a terribly frustrating and stressful experience. It doesn't matter if the key was stolen, lost, or left in another location. The first step is to call the police and let them know that your keys to your car are missing. This will enable them to keep an eye on keys, and also help you get back control of your vehicle in the event that it is stolen.
The next step is to contact a professional locksmith. The type of locksmith you'll need to contact is contingent on the model of car you have. If your car is equipped with mechanical keys that are standard and ignition system, the locksmith will replace your current key. If your vehicle is older and has an old-fashioned turn key ignition, or it has a keyfob, the locksmith must have the IMEI number of your vehicle (which can be found on the key or dashboard display). The locksmith will also need to verify your ownership of the vehicle by providing proof like a registration or title.
In some instances locksmiths may be able to erase the car's "memory" of the stolen key and stop it from working in the future. However, this will usually require you to bring your car to the dealer in order to do so. In this case you'll need to have a spare key, or be prepared to pay a significant amount for the service.
Lastly, it is an excellent idea to review your insurance policy for home insurance to see if they cover the loss or theft of keys to your car. Many policies do include this coverage, and it can be a useful option to cover the cost of replacing car keys and lock replacements.
Car keys stolen from cars are not common. If you drive with care and take the necessary precautions, your vehicle is less likely to be stolen.
3. Contact Your Insurance Company
It is essential to report the key theft to your insurance company. This will help to track the culprit and provide you with peace of mind. This will also protect you against identity theft. Thieves often search social media for detailed details about their victims including address, work place and other personal information. Notifying a car key that was stolen as soon as you discover it missing could prevent this from happening.
Most what to do if car keys are stolen auto policies include coverage for lost car keys. The exact terms and conditions can vary and you should consult your insurance provider to discuss your coverage. Some companies might offer additional benefits, like free replacements or coverage for rental cars.
You will need to visit your dealer or automaker to order a new set of keys if the ones you have are missing from the ignition. This involves removing the existing keys and reprogramming the new keys to the vehicle. Based on the type of keys used, this could be costly and can cost anywhere from $200 to $500 per key.
The thieves could attempt to drive the car after taking keys. This could result in costly damages, including damaged doors and windows. It's also likely that the burglar could be punished for driving without a license or for violating traffic laws. If you report the theft of your keys at a young stage the insurance company will be able to cover any damages caused by this crime.
After you've reported the theft of your car keys, you need to confirm that they are missing. This will help you avoid making a false claim and being charged an additional fee. Begin by looking through every pocket, bag, and other places that you usually keep your keys. Then, go back through your day to think about what you could have done that might have led to them being lost. Did you, for example, put them on your car's table after returning from work? Or did you accidentally drop them while reaching in your purse to get your phone?
If you find your car keys, it's still an excellent idea to inform the police. This will stop the burglar from being able to use the keys you've stolen to access other vehicles and commit more crimes.
4. Schedule an Inspection
Theft of vehicles is a huge problem. It occurs every 32 seconds and costs Americans more than $8 billion each year. Fortunately, modern cars have advanced security features that make it hard for thieves to take them. However, older cars or those with no keyless entry are still in need of security. To guard your car from theft, you should consider purchasing a steering wheel lock or a tire and brake lock. These locks are simple to install and make it difficult for thieves to drive your vehicle away.
If your car keys are stolen, you must immediately report the theft to the police immediately. This will help them locate the culprit and hopefully return your vehicle. The police will also provide you with a a crime reference number that can be used by your insurance company to investigate the theft.
You can also go to the dealership for your vehicle's manufacturer and have new key fobs made. You'll need to have your existing keys scanned, and then the new ones must be programmed using your vehicle's computer. This process could take a few days and is costly.
You'll also need to pay for any damage done by the thief who drives off with your vehicle. It is important to ensure that your car is in a secure parking area and park in areas that are well-lit. Keep your keys in a safe place and do not put keys in the ignition.
One technique used by thieves to steal modern cars is to read the vehicle identification number (VIN) from the OBD port, which is usually found under the dashboard. The thieves are able to use this information in order to get the code for the key fob, and begin the vehicle. This is referred to as "relay theft." You can prevent it by installing an OBD portlock or parking in a secure location with security cameras and guards.
You can also try to stop your car keys from being taken by storing them in a screened pouch. These pouches will block the signal thieves can amplify with equipment called "relay transmitters." You can also purchase a device dubbed"relay deactivator. "relay deactivator" that can be plugged into your car's OBD port to disable keys that have been stolen.